Equality in Gender-Identity & Expression

Hystory of Anti-Discrimination Protections in Connecticut

In 1991, Connecticut added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination statutes. This law was groundbreaking, and it made sure that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals were protected from discrimination in their jobs, housing, education, loans, and more. But gender identity and expression was not included in this bill (remember that it was 1991!)

To many people's surprise, over 38% of the U.S. population (pdf) is actually protected from discrimination based on gender identity and expression; yet, Connecticut remains behind. In 2007, the bill passed through the Judiciary Committee, three other committees, and the Senate with only 13 votes against. See how your legislator voted. Unfortunately the bill was raised in the House on the last days of the session and time just did not afford its passage in 2007. In 2008, we have hope for a more successful outcome.

Currently, 153 Fortune 500 companies, 356 private sector companies, and 85 colleges and universities, have non-discrimination policies that include gender identity or expression. These include businesses and universities headquartered and located in Connecticut: Aetna, Pitney Bowes, The Hartford, Xerox, Hartford Seminary, Connecticut College, Wesleyan University and Yale University.

H.B. 5723 An Act Concerning Discrimination Overview

• Connecticut has no explicit law protecting individuals from discrimination based on gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, lending or education. An Act Concerning Discrimination would add the phrase “gender identity or expression” to Connecticut’s existing non-discrimination law, prohibiting this discrimination making our state safe for all residents.
• This bill gives the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities the authority to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression in employment, education, housing, public accommodations, and the extension of credit and order appropriate remedies if such discrimination is found. It applies the same rules, procedures, and remedies that apply to other types of discrimination.
• The Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities CHRO has already clarified that state law currently protects individuals from discrimination based on gender identity and expression. Read the ruling. This bill makes those protections explicit and uniform. This bill will serve to make people protected by the law and those covered by the law aware of their rights and obligations.
• This bill uses the definition of “gender identity or expression” established in Connecticut’s hate crimes law, which passed in 2004 with a vote of 139-4 in the House and 33-0 in the Senate.

For more information about this legislation, please contact Sally Tamarkin, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Coalition at (860) 247-6090 ext. 23 or email. Text courtesy of the ADC.

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Resources on Transgender Equality

Fact Sheets Overview Transgender Anti-Discrimination pdf Q&A Transgender Anti-Discrimination pdf Websites TransEquality CT CT TransAdvocacy Coalition CT Women's Education & Legal Fund Love Makes A Family

Events Transgender Lives Conference: The Intersection of Health & Law 19 April 2008 Mobilizing TransPolitics on Campus and Beyond 3 March 2008 Educational Forum and Lobby Day 20 February 2008 Educational Forum and Lobby Day Flyer pdf 20 February 2008 Educational Forum Flyer pdf 20 February 2008

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